Hazardous material detector simulator and training system

ABSTRACT

A system and method for simulating another apparatus provides simulated readings by controlling a simulated display provided to portable simulator clients, such as via a wireless interface. Each simulator client provides detector reading displays for selected environments and allows for two-way interactive response with a master control unit. Simulator clients are configured as modular units comprising a smartphone or similar mass-produced wireless computing device removably integrated with a detector simulator housing and/or keypad interface. The master control unit allows direct control of individual detector displays and scenarios for the simulation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional applicationSer. No. 13/774,976, filed Feb. 22, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,165,475,which is continuation-in-part of U.S. non-provisional application Ser.No. 12/389,284 filed Feb. 19, 2009, which claims priority to U.S.provisional application Ser. No. 61/030,177 filed Feb. 20, 2008, whichapplications are hereby incorporated by reference, in their entireties.

FIELD

The present application relates to a system and apparatus for simulatingreadings on portable detection devices through both hardware device andsoftware, such as used, for example, in hazardous materials (HazMat)first responder training.

BACKGROUND

Handheld hazardous materials detection instruments are used fordetecting hazards in Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, Nuclear, andExplosive (“CBRNE”) environments. Proper interpretation of and reactionto data received on detectors is vital to life safety in a hazardousatmosphere or radioactive material contaminated area. Technology appliedto the development of HazMat detectors has increased theirfunctionality. Effective use of detection instruments in emergencyconditions rests on adequate operator training. Without adequatetraining, first responders and others may be placed at risk when anactual incident occurs.

Emergency response agencies from all over the United States utilizegrant funds to send personnel to a handful of remote training sites thatspecialize in certain areas of CBRNE. Those offsite trainingopportunities result in increased cost to cover personnel with onlymarginal benefit, given the limited exposure to actual hazardousmaterials during training. Live fire training (e.g., active burnscreating simulated “immediately dangerous to life and health” (IDLH)atmosphere) in the Fire Service are used to establish vital real-lifeand safety decision skills in an environment that approximates theresponder's real world as closely as possible. However, this same modelof live training in HazMat, using actual CBRNE agents for trainingHazMat first responders, is dangerous, expensive, difficult toconstruct, and unrealistic for most, if not all, municipal fire/hazmatteams. The live agents that are used in training are typically verysmall amounts in a controlled environment that do not simulate actualdistribution of the substance, initial contact with or training stresslikely experienced in the field.

Moreover, HazMat detectors cannot safely be equipped with built-intraining modes, because of the risk this would create that an operatormight confuse detection of actual hazardous materials with readings froma built-in simulator function during an emergency. For this reason, itis preferable to use actual HazMat detectors for training with actualCBRNE agents. If CBRNE training agents cannot be deployed, it ispreferable to use separate devices that resemble detectors closelyenough to function as training equipment, but different enough toeliminate any serious risk of being confused with actual equipmentduring an emergency. Supplying “similar but different” equipment maypose special challenges for the design of HazMat detector simulators,raising the cost of supplying effective but safe dedicated HazMattraining simulators.

Despite the advantages of offsite and live training or dedicatedtraining equipment, the high cost of offsite training, live training, ordedicated HazMat training equipment may undesirably constrain the numberof people who can be trained. A need therefore exists to train frontline responders with realistic and real-time simulations using theirdetection devices or economical dedicated simulators, while keeping thecost of training equipment and personnel to a minimum.

SUMMARY

Methods, apparatus and systems for simulating hazardous materialsdetection instruments for training purposes are described in detail inthe detailed description, and certain aspects are summarized below. Thissummary and the following detailed description should be interpreted ascomplementary parts of an integrated disclosure, which parts may includeredundant subject matter and/or supplemental subject matter. An omissionin either section does not indicate priority or relative importance ofany dement described in the integrated application. Differences betweenthe sections may include supplemental disclosures of alternativeembodiments, additional details, or alternative descriptions ofidentical embodiments using different terminology, as should be apparentfrom the respective disclosures.

Briefly, and in general terms, the present disclosure concerns acomputer-based training simulation device and method for improvinglife-safety skills in the response to hazardous incidents by firstresponders using a computerized controller, computerized clients,wireless technology, simulation software, simulation data and detectorparameters to replicate a hazardous environment without the use ofhazardous substances. The system integrates chemical, radioactive, andother hazardous substance parameters to closely replicate responses ofHazMat detectors to a hazardous environment.

The computer-based simulation training system may, by enabling morecost-effective and realistic training, improve the response to actualhazardous incidents by first responders. The system may include a mastercontrol (trainer) module and one or more client (trainee) modules. Themaster control and client modules may be implemented as software,firmware, or a combination software/firmware modules installed in amass-productions computer systems, for example a laptop computer,notepad computer, and/or smartphone which are used in a trainingscenario to simulate a hazardous atmosphere in real time. The mastercontrol module may be installed on a laptop or notepad computer and theclient modules on a smaller device having approximately the same displayscreen size as an actual hazardous materials detector, for example onsmartphones or mini-tablet devices. The smartphone or mini-tablet may beinserted into a special housing resembling a HazMat detector, and may beconnected to a simulated keypad interface of the housing via amini-Universal Serial Bus (mini-USB) or similar input connector.

The system can be used to provide individual control of the peripheralunits by the master controller, or collective control via a groupsimulation environment broadcast from the master controller. The systemmay integrate specific technical functions and readings of variousdetectors currently on the market that are used to measure chemical,biological, radiological, energetic, or other hazards, or a combinationof two or more hazards. In the group simulation environment, the systemmay emulate the simulated environment throughout multiple devices bycontrolling each separate simulated parameter of the environmentaccording to a predefined or ad hoc scheme broadcast by the mastercontroller. The scheme may include location-sensitive simulated readingsat different detector devices. In an aspect, training questions may beposed to the trainees via the client modules and scored.

In related aspects, a simulated HazMat detection apparatus with amodular processing element may be provided for performing any of themethods and aspects of the methods summarized above. A simulated HazMatdetector may include, for example, a housing and physical user interfacemodeled to look and respond to user input in the manner of a HazMatdetector, having a physical mounting interface designed to hold asmartphone/WiFi device with a processor, memory, network interface anddisplay screen, wherein the memory holds instructions for execution bythe processor to cause the simulator apparatus to perform operations asdescribed herein. An article of manufacture may be provided, including anon-transitory computer-readable medium holding encoded instructions,which when executed by a processor, may cause a simulator apparatus toperform the methods and aspects of the methods as summarized above.

In an aspect, a HazMat detector simulator for training purposes mayincorporate a mass-produced computing unit with a wireless interface inan affordable smartphone or palm computing form factor (e.g., iPhone™,iPod™, Android™ smartphone or tablet device, Windows™ smartphone ortablet device, Linux/Android™ processor, etc.) to perform many or alluser interface functions, depending on the design of the detection unitbeing emulated. The computing unit may also be referred to herein as a“client device.” An assembled HazMat detector simulator including theconcealed client device may be referred to herein as a “peripheralhazardous materials detector simulator unit,” with “peripheral unit” or“simulator unit” used for brevity.

The simulator unit may include a keypad or other physical control panelcoupled via a user interface module to an input port of the clientdevice. The simulator unit may include a special mounting system andhousing for the client device that conceals the client device except fora selected portion of its display screen in an interior of the simulatorunit. The mounting system may be designed to permit ready access to andremoval of the client device by the end user without damaging thesimulator unit or client device. In the alternative, the mounting systemmay be designed to make access or removal somewhat difficult so as torequire a qualified technician to perform such operations properly andwithout any damage to the simulator unit or client device. The housing,screen area reveal, and control panel may be designed to resemble ormimic an actual hazardous materials detector unit, or may be designed tobe conspicuously different in appearance from an actual unit so as toavoid confusion in emergencies.

An application installed on the client device may receive user input viathe input port and/or receive touchscreen input through its displayscreen or audio input through a microphone, and output realistic andcontrolled responses simulating a detector on the display screen,without the use of CBRNE agents. In addition, the client device maycommunicate wirelessly with a master control unit via a built-inwireless connection, such as a Wi-Fi or cellular phone connection. Themaster control unit may control simulations presented on the clientdevice during a training session and provide training information andtest questions after a simulation exercise is completed.

Thus, the hazardous materials detector simulator of the invention may,among other things, provide a more realistic and/or thorough trainingexperience, through which a trainee or experienced HazMat responderusing the hazardous materials detector simulator of the invention maymore likely pay closer attention to the detector response as well asexperience critical decision-making in the simulated HOTZONE. The systemallows local fire, police, and emergency response agencies to set upeffective life safety training anywhere and at any time withouttraveling from their district or being exposed to any real hazardousmaterials. Nationally accepted protocols and local Policy and Proceduremay be adapted easily into the training scenarios. Local jurisdictionscan set up realistic trainings easily at their own ‘Target Hazard’locations, using the simulator. Furthermore, when the simulator unit isnot being used for training, the smartphone may readily be removed fromthe simulator unit and configured as a normal communications device,further reducing equipment costs for the responder agency andeliminating the possibility that the simulator system will be confusedwith a real detector during an emergency. The simulator unit may beuseful for training personnel in other technical specialties, including,for example, industrial HazMat control, confined space safety,laboratory safety, and others concerned with mobile detection ofhazardous materials.

Further embodiments, aspects and details of methods, apparatus andsystems for simulating HazMat detector are presented in the detaileddescription that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present technology, in accordance with one or more variousembodiments, is described in detail with reference to the followingfigures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only andmerely depict typical or example embodiments of the technology. Thesedrawings are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of thetechnology and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope,or applicability of the technology.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating different controlmodes for hazardous materials detector simulator client devices underthe control of a master control unit.

FIG. 2A illustrates features a hazardous materials detector simulatorimplemented as a client device attached to a functional HazMat detector.

FIG. 2B illustrates features of a hazardous materials detector simulatorimplemented as an internal component of a functional HazMat detector.

FIG. 2C illustrates features a hazardous materials detector simulatorimplemented as a stand alone interactive training detector withoutfunctional detection capabilities.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a hazardous materials detectorsimulator master control unit implemented as a PDA, notebook computer,tablet computer or smartphone containing software and hardware thatcontrols one or more peripheral units.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a hazardous materials detectorsimulator client or master control unit including a touch screen.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the hazardous materials detectorsimulator master control unit and a peripheral hazardous materialsdetector simulator unit for training HazMat teams.

FIG. 6 is an exploded assembly drawing showing an embodiment of asimulator apparatus comprising a stand-alone communications device suchas a smartphone or hand-held tablet computer enclosed, except for itsdisplay screen, inside a ruggedized housing resembling an actual HazMatdetector.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows a top edge view of the assembly shown in FIGS. 6-7.

FIG. 9 shows a bottom edge view of the assembly shown in FIGS. 6-7.

FIG. 10 shows a side view of the assembly shown in FIGS. 6-7.

FIG. 11 shows a front plan view of the assembly shown in FIGS. 6-7.

FIG. 12 shows a rear plan of the assembly shown in FIGS. 6-7.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating elements and aspects of ahazardous materials detector simulator apparatus.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating a method for simulating a hazardousmaterials detector using an externally attached client device.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating a method for simulating a hazardousmaterials detector using a second housing enclosing a stand-alone clientdevice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present technology includes novel apparatus and methods of using thenovel apparatus to simulate measurement equipment of various types.Although the novel apparatus and methods presented herein are believeduseful for training first responders and others in the use of hazardousmaterials detection equipment, such apparatus and methods are notlimited to this application. Training of hazardous material respondersis merely an example of a useful application, and other applications forthe new technology may also be useful.

Referring to FIG. 1, a control system 100 for hazardous materialsdetector simulation may be accomplished in various control modes. In adirect mode 140, a master control module 120 under the control of aninstructor directly controls simulator output at an individual simulatorclient (peripheral apparatus), for example via a Wi-Fi connection orother wireless link between the control module 120 and the client. In agroup control mode 160, the master control module 120 simultaneously ornear-simultaneously controls multiple HazMat simulator clients using anad hoc or predetermined scheme based on instructor input to the mastercontrol module, broadcasting or multicasting to the multiple clients viaa wireless link. In an autonomous mode 130, one or more pre-programmedtraining applications operating on each of one or more client devicescontrol outputs from respective client simulator devices for selectedenvironmental settings, such as for dirty bomb contamination, an oxygendeficient environment, and chlorine contamination. For example,simulator readings may be generated using a quasi-random numbergenerator, data table, or other number generator by an applicationoperating on the client device. However, use of the client devices undermaster controls (modes 140 or 160) with interactivity between aninstructor operating the control module and students operating theclient modules is believed advantageous in many learning environments.

The hazardous materials (HazMat) detector simulator system 100 enables aclient device display to simulate detector readings indicating ahazardous atmosphere environment for training purposes. In general,interactive hazardous simulation training using a hazardous materialsdetector simulator may be enhanced by interaction with the mastercontrol unit, wirelessly controlling the display on each remote unit. Ahazardous materials detector simulator enabled unit allows its displayto be controlled remotely for training purposes. As a safety feature,the simulator may be rendered inoperable unless under the control of themaster control unit, to prevent any chance of being confused with anreal detector in time of emergency.

The display device and/or entire simulator client may be externallyattached to an actual detector device, incorporated as a module of anactual simulator activated only during training, or modularly insertedor permanently enclosed in a housing simulating a detector. As indicatedin FIG. 2A, an externally attached simulator unit 200 may be provided inthe form factor of a hand-held unit containing a processor, display andmemory (for example, about 3×5 inches in extent) that attaches over andtemporarily covers the display screen of an actual detector unit duringtraining sessions only. For example, the external client 200 may dip onand over the display of a working detector. The attached externaldisplay of unit 200 is used in lieu of the detector factory displayduring training, and may be easily removed when training is over. Thehazardous materials detector simulator is completely independent of theactual detector unit and during training the user reads the hazardousmaterials detector simulator display 200 while holding the workingdetector unit which may be powered off.

Functional HazMat detectors may lack an interface for connecting to anattached external detector and microprocessor, making it difficult orimpossible to realistically simulate interactivity via the keypad orother physical user interface device of the actual detector, using theexternal attached client 200. If the actual detector is designed to usetouchscreen input only, the attached external display can accomplish arealistic simulation simply by incorporating touchscreen capability inthe external screen. Nonetheless, many HazMat detectors or other suchdevices, even if including touchscreen capability, may often includeselector switches or other electro-mechanical interface components forcontrolling HazMat sensor electronics and display options. Anexternally-attached training module 200 may be less suitable forsimulating operation of these types of detectors because of the lack ofa standard interface for coupling to the detector's physical userinterface. However, advantages to the external client 200 form factormay include the ability to incorporate low-cost instead of moreruggedized components, avoiding any requirement to infiltrate thedetector and its proprietary specifications, providing ability tocontrol the display coupled to the physical housing of a functionaldetector, and the fact that with the external client 200 attached afunctional hazardous materials detector simulator can readily berecognized as being in a non-functional training mode.

As indicated in FIG. 2B, a simulator client 210 may be provided in theform of an internal component or module of an actual HazMat detector.The simulator client may be automatically rendered inactive unlessreceiving a signal via a wired or wireless interface from a mastercontrol unit, to reduce the risk of confusion during an emergencysituation. A prominent external connector for a dongle and/or mastercontrol interface may be including in the client 210, which may beconfigured so that it cannot operate in simulator mode unless thedongle/interface connector is connected to the detector. Advantageously,in this way the simulator and actual detector functions can be containedin the same unit. But for many applications, a combination design mayalso pose certain disadvantages, such as requiring integration at thedesign stage of the actual detector, and also requiring that detector beremoved from service during training sessions, possibly necessitatingthe costly acquisition of dedicated detector/simulators. Depending oncost and design particulars, the internal client 210 may not be the mostcost-effective solution.

As indicated in FIG. 2C, a third approach may use a stand-alonesimulator client 220 designed to have the same or similar “look andfeel” as an actual detector, but lacking actual sensors and electronicfor HazMat detection. Instead, the stand-alone client 220 may havesimplified electronics and software for simulating the operation of aHazMat detector, optionally capable of being controlled by a mastercontrol unit. The cost of producing the stand-alone client 220 may begreatly reduced by cleverly incorporating off-the-shelf palm or minktablet scale computing devices into the design. For example, thestand-alone client 220 may include a display device (optionallytouchscreen-enabled) that is part of a smartphone or wireless-equippedpalm computing device. The smartphone or palm device also includes amemory holding simulator application software and a processor forexecuting the software and controlling the display during training. Thesmartphone or palm device may be modularly inserted into a housing of adetector simulator and coupled via a standard micro-Universal Serial Bus(USB) or other connector to an output of the simulator's physical userinterface (e.g., keypad, selector switches, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 3, a hazardous materials detector simulator mastercontrol unit 300 may include the main computer enabled control processor320, for example, a processor embodied in a smartphone, palm computer,notebook computer, or tablet computer. The master control unit mayfurther comprise a computer-readable medium or memory 330 containingsoftware for simulating a hazardous environment and interacting withand/or controlling client simulator units. The master control unit 300may further include a wireless interface 310 coupled to the processor320 for communicating with client simulator units and a display device340 (FIG. 5) and/or keypad interface 350 (FIG. 5). All of the components310, 320, 330 and additional components such as a display may beincorporated in a ruggedized tablet or palm-sized computing devicecapable of sending wireless signals to one or more of the remotehazardous materials detector simulator devices.

Optionally, the control unit 300 may receive feedback data during aninteractive training mode 140, 160, which it may display on a displayoutput device 340. An operations screen 340 on the control unit 300 asshown in the accompanying FIG. 5 may indicate an identifier for one ormore client units under control of the master control unit, what type ofdetector is being simulated, and a simulated measurement readout of thedetector. Touch screen ‘toggles’ or buttons 360 may be visuallydisplayed and in response to touch input from an instructor may send asignal to the remote hazardous materials detector simulator clientschanging their display. The control unit 300 may optionally have keypadbuttons 350 for a ‘type’ of environment to be sent to all detectors as agroup. For instance: by pressing a button called dirty bomb—simulatedradiation detectors on the client may be caused to display detectedradiation measurements and a simulator gas detector may pick up residualatmosphere related to an explosion. In addition, the master control unitmay control client simulated reading using a simple up or down arrow orother user interface receiving instructor input, with user interfacecontrols for setting a rate and/or increment of simulated measurementchange at the client.

Referring back to FIG. 4, a hazardous materials detector simulatorclient 400 (peripheral unit) may be provided in any of the form factorsdescribed in connection with FIGS. 2A-C. For example, the client 400 maybe incorporated as a module of a functional hazardous materialsdetection device, be made as an external self-contained attachment withdisplay, processor, memory and wireless interface covering and replacingthe display of a functional detector, or as a stand-alone dedicatedsimulator client. Regardless of the form factor, the client display 430simulates an actual display of a HazMat detector on which it is placedand/or designed to simulate. Built-in memory files preprogrammed basedon a functional detector's display may be controlled via wirelessinterface 410 (e.g., WiFi, infrared, Bluetooth, cellular or other radiolink) coupled to a processor 420 in response to signals from a mastercontrol unit. The master control unit may control the display on thesimulator unit to reflect various environments/readings. The user getsan actual reading on the display and needs to take necessary actions.The master control unit may operate multiple hazardous materialsdetector simulators simultaneously.

It should be appreciated that a touch-screen device such as theperipheral unit 400 may also be configured as a master control unit byprogramming the memory 440 with master control unit software instead ofclient software. However, for many applications a master control unitmay benefit from having a larger display screen than can be accommodatedwithin the form factor of a simulated detector client device. Thus, formany applications the master control unit may be provided in a formfactor different from, and generally larger than the client device.

A housing for an external client 200 or stand-alone client 220 may beconstructed as ruggedized shock proof/water resistant plastic caseincluding a display (LCD) on one side (touch screen option on certainmodels), a battery, a memory, power switch, microprocessor, wirelessreceiver (transmitter optional), and an external USB or similarinterface port. A display screen 430 may be positioned on one side ofthe unit as indicated in FIG. 5. The display 430 may be specified to bescratch resistant and weather proof, with adequate resolution to showdetector function images. The screen 430 may have adequate glareresistance and backlighting ability. Color is optional, based on cost.In a stand-alone client 220 incorporating a smartphone in a modularfashion, the screen may comprise a color touchscreen and other commonsmartphone features, such as cellular data capability (e.g., 3^(rd)Generation Partnership Program (3GPP) radio access technologies),microphone, front-facing camera, and ample application memory.

A battery (not shown) may also be included in the client 400 of acapacity adequate to supply enough voltage to run the CPU 28 and screenfor extended periods between charging and/or battery replacement.Intrinsically safe operation is generally not required, but can beprovided if desired. The system may have an optional external chargeport.

The memory 440 is coupled to the processor capable of storing screenshots and active screen movies (looped) of each selected detectorfunction. The files are stored based on detector type, model,manufacturer, and desired display. When called upon by the CPU, thememory file will be displayed on the screen.

The processor 420 may include an ability to interface with the wirelesssignal and pull the appropriate file from memory to be displayed on thescreen. Optionally the processor 420 may be required to accept touchscreen input from the screen and wirelessly return the data to themaster control unit. The processor 420 may receive power and initiateactivity upon activation of the power switch. A power switch may beexternally located on the side of the unit and be configured as waterresistant/proof. External ports may include an external battery chargeport and or optional docking, and a data port to processor or memory forupdating files and downloading data. Additional ports may be included asneeded.

Using an off-the-shelf smartphone or the like in a modular stand-aloneclient will avoid the costs of engineering and supplying most thehardware components 410, 420, 430 and 440 and related hardware at lowvolume. Instead, the cost efficiencies of stand-alone mass-producedsmartphone or other wireless computing and wireless communicationdevices (e.g., a hand-held notepad computer equipped with a wirelesstransceiver) may be exploited in a modular fashion within a housingdesigned to resemble a functional HazMat detector, including afunctional physical user interface (e.g., keypad or switches) ifdesired. These cost efficiencies may provide an overwhelming advantagefor the modular stand-alone design. An example of a modular stand-aloneclient system is described below in connection with FIGS. 6-12.

In some embodiments, software held in a memory 330 of the master controlunit 300 may control the control unit, the peripheral units, and enableinteraction between the control unit and peripheral units. The controlunit may control all of the displays and interactive features enabled onthe peripheral units, and provide a mirrored display (monitor) for eachof multiple peripheral unit at the master control unit. For example, themaster control unit may show client monitor displays in separate windowsor tiles of a master control screen. Features of master control unitsoftware may include direct control of individual peripheral units,scenario parallel or collective control of multiple peripheral unit,interactive features (e.g., messaging, chat, or answer scoring) and datalogging.

Under direct control, the control unit may directly control and toggle amonitor display for one or more peripheral units, in response to controlpanel (e.g., keypad) or touchscreen input from the instructor. An input(e.g. increased mR/hr) given on the control unit may send a wirelesstransmission to the peripheral unit. The peripheral unit receives thesignal, which it may translate into a display of the appropriate imageor video showing the increased reading.

Under scenario control for parallel or collective control of multipleperipheral units, a training officer or other person operating themaster control unit selects a type of environment from a menu ofpredefined types via the master control. Instead of direct control ofeach client device individually, the training officer can select anoverall environment (e.g., post blast of dirty bomb). Each predefinedtype may include a defined group of simulated detector readings selectedto represent a particular type of hazardous environment. Thisenvironment ‘group’ may be used to control each peripheral deviceappropriately to simulate a potentially complex environment. Multipleperipheral devices are used at the same time and each will respond in aparallel or collective fashion, optionally controlled individually basedon a current location of each peripheral unit as determined by aposition sensor on each client. The types of scenario environments mayinclude, but are not limited to, normal background, radioactive,chemical, explosive, and any combination thereof.

It should be appreciated that the use of a cellular wireless link and/orInternet connection between the master control unit and each clientdevice may permit a group exercise to be conducted over a largegeographic area anyway within range of a cellular network. For example,each client unit may be dispersed 0-10 miles, 10-100 miles or even100-1000 miles from the master control unit and/or from other clientdevices participating in a training exercise. Thus, effects of differentscenarios may be accurately simulated over large geographic areas.Incorporation of modular smartphone client units may thus enableeffective wide-dispersal training at a modest cost. Of course, thesmartphone client may support other wireless technologies, for exampleBluetooth™ or WiFi. Communication between the master control unit andthe client devices may use any available wireless technology supportedby the control unit and client devices.

During a training scenario, master control software may first determinehow many and what type of simulated detectors are going to be used inthe simulated scenario; more may be added later. This may be doneautomatically via wireless link to the peripheral units, and/or based oninstructor input to the master control unit. The peripheral units may beset as a group or have reading individually calculated based onposition. A time component may be used to set up and drive the scenario.At the start of the scenario (initial time), realistic readings for eachtype of detector may be set based on a predetermined or ad hoc schemeand over time and/or with movement of the peripheral units, each readingmay change. The scenario may be location based, including the locationof the detector, as determined by a global positioning system (GPS), forexample, and location as wells as time information may be used by themaster control unit determine readings throughout the training. Overallscenario-based group control functions may make management of multipledetectors easier for one training officer. Detector response can also becontrolled by the type of hazard in this group mode, instead of oraddition to manually by the training officer. Automatically determinedreadings may be individually overridden at the option of the instructorusing the master control unit, for example, to train participants torecognize detector malfunctions or other unexpected upsets. Duringtraining, radio contact, text chat or telephone may be used to determineparticipant understanding of the simulated environment as reflected bythe peripheral unit readings.

In another aspect, shorter range wireless signals (e.g., Bluetooth™ orWiFi) may be used to define boundaries of a simulated contaminated area.For example, a WiFi access point may broadcast a specified signal, andany client receiving the signal may simulate detection of a hazardouscondition, optionally showing a hazard level in proportion to thereceived signal strength. Other enhancements include remote controlledvalves or other devices, which can be triggered by the master controlunit to simulate the appearance of fluids leaking from transport systemsor containers.

Detectors controlled individually, or as a group, or as an environmentgroup/type, may change based on time, or location or direct input.Custom environments can be created, for example by including theparameters in the following TABLE I:

Parameters Unit Oxygen Percent H2S ppm CH4 LEL (Lower Explosive Limit)Vol. % CH4 LEL % RAM (Radioactive material) Beta RAM Gamma RAM AlphaChlorine ppm CO ppm G (nerve agent) ppm V (nerve agent) ppm B (nerveagent) ppm H (nerve agent) ppm T (mustard gas additive) ppm Phosgene ppmCustom (may vary)

The system is not limited to the foregoing parameters, and may simulatedetection of any substance for which a detector can be made.

Participating reams utilizing the peripheral device may obtain simulatedreadings on their detection instrumentation thus experiencing thecritical decision making experience in real time. The peripheral displaymay show exactly what is determined by the master control unit. Examplesof master control for three ways of implementing the hazardous materialsdetector simulator of the invention has been illustrated above inFIG. 1. These different ways include: direct control of an individualperipheral apparatus; group control of multiple peripheral apparatus;and control of multiple apparatus by programs or combination of programsreflecting selected environmental settings, such as for dirty bombcontamination, an oxygen deficient environment, and chlorinecontamination.

The foregoing aspects and elements may be embodied in a simulatorapparatus 600 removably incorporating a stand-alone wirelesscommunication device, as shown in FIGS. 6-12. The apparatus 600 mayinclude a housing 601 comprised of a faceplate 606 attached to a base614 using any suitable removable fastener, for example, machine screwsor clips. A portable hand-held stand-alone wireless communication device612 (client device), for example a smartphone or hand-held tabletcomputer with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capability, may be held in an interiorof the housing 601 and substantially concealed thereby. A display screen610 of the client device 612 may be revealed to an exterior of thehousing 601 via an opening 601 in the upper plate 606. A sound guide 616around the client device 612 may be removably fastened to the base 614,for redirecting sound emitted from a rear speaker of the client device612 towards an opening in the faceplate 606. The faceplate 606 and base614 may be molded or otherwise fabricated from any suitable structuralpolymer material, for example, polyurethane.

A ruggedized case 602 may surround the housing 601 for impact protectionand to provide a hand grip for the assembly 600. The case 602 maycomprise any suitable rubberized material, for example, a rubberizedpolyurethane, silicone, or rubber. Similarly, a non-slip rubberized baseplate 618 may be attached to the bottom of the base 614 to improveimpact resistance and grip-ability. The base plate 618 may include anflat area 626 for attachment of an adhesive label. The base plate orother components may also include a opening (not shown) into an interiorof the housing 601, for example, to avoid obstructing functionalcomponents of the client device 612 such as cameras, microphoneopenings, ventilation openings, input ports, wireless antennae, lights,control buttons, or other components. The size and location of any suchopening, if present, may therefore vary depending on the particularmodel of mass-produced client device 612 that the simulator apparatus600 is designed for.

The simulator apparatus 600 may further include a control panel 622 onthe faceplate 606 of the housing 601 (FIG. 7). The control panel 622 mayinclude one or more keys coupled via an interface module and cable (notshown) to an input port of the client device 612. In the alternative,the control panel 622 may comprise openings permitting user access tocontrol buttons, touchscreen portion, or other control features of theclient device 612 mounted underneath the faceplate 606, or to provide anopening for sound emitted from the client device 612.

The simulator apparatus 600 may further include a sniffer tube adaptor608 accessible via the case 602, for enabling connection to a sniffertube for simulating hazardous materials detection in environmentsrequiring use of sniffer tubes (FIG. 8).

The simulator apparatus 600 may further include a slotted strap bracket620 attached to a lower surface of the base 618 for attaching a carrierstrap (not shown) of nylon webbing or the like (FIGS. 6, 9, 10). Acarrier strap may be useful to prevent accidental dropping of thesimulator apparatus 600 during use.

The assembly 600 may further include a socket 624 (FIG. 9) forconnecting a cable to the client device 612, for example for a batterycharging unit, or for a wired data communication interface. The socket624 may be configured for a standard connector, for example, a UniversalSerial Bus (USB) connector. In the alternative, or in addition, thesocket 624 may be coupled to other internal circuitry of the assembly600, for example, to an interface module for the control panel 622.

Further aspects of a simulator apparatus 1300 of the type illustrated byFIGS. 6-12, or in an alternative of a second type 200 illustrated byFIG. 2A, are shown schematically in FIG. 13. It should be appreciatedthat the elements of FIG. 13 are not drawn to scale relative to oneanother and do not represent a physical appearance of any component.

A self-contained client device 1308 component of the apparatus 1300 may,as mentioned above, be or include a smartphone or hand-held wirelesscomputing device. Although components of such devices should begenerally familiar to the reader, certain essential components aresummarized here. The client device 1308 may include a processor 1310,for example a low power microprocessor designed for a portable device,coupled to a memory 1316 via a bus 1312 or other coupling. The memorymay hold instructions, that when executed by the processor 1310, causethe client device 1308 to perform one or more operations of methods asdescribed herein.

The client device 1308 may further include a touchscreen display 1314coupled to the processor 1310, via which the processor 1310 may receiveuser input and output a display simulating a HazMat detector to a user.The client device 1308 may include one or more control buttons (notshown) on an exterior housing 1328 for controlling the touchscreen 1314(for example, by turning it off or on) or for controlling otherfunctions. The client device 1308 may include an input/output port 1320coupled to the processor 1310 via a bus 1312, the port 1320 including asocket for connecting a power and/or data cable.

The client device 1308 may include a wireless transceiver 1318 coupledto the processor 1310 and associated components, for example one or moreantenna. Multiple transceivers may be included for different radiotechnologies, for example Wi-Fi, cellular radio access technologies(e.g., GSM, LTE), and/or Bluetooth. All of the forgoing component may besubstantially enclosed by the housing 1328 to form a stand-alonehand-held portable wireless communication device. The client device 1308may include additional components as known in the art, for example abattery and charging circuit.

The simulator apparatus 1300 may further include a second component1330. In an embodiment, the second component 1330 may be configured asprimarily an empty housing 1302 resembling an actual or generic HazMatdetector, for example as described above in connection with FIGS. 6-12.For example, the housing 1302 may resemble a hand-held portablehazardous material detection device (not shown) disposed around andsubstantially concealing the client device 1308, except for revealingthe display screen 1314 on an exterior of the housing 1302 as ifbelonging to the hand-held portable hazardous material detection device.In such embodiments, the housing 1302 may include an interior receptacle1306 sized for holding the client device 1308 with a reveal or openingrevealing a major portion or all of the display area of the touchscreen1314. FIG. 7 provides an example of a housing (601) resembling aruggedized hand-held portable hazardous material detection device.

In another embodiment, the second component 1330 may be configuredprimarily as a functional HazMat detector, which is powered off orotherwise disabled during a training session. In such embodiments, thecomponent 1330 may include a deactivated display screen 1306 similar insize and extent to the touchscreen 1314 of the client device 1308. Oneor more fasteners 1326, for example, a thumbscrew, machine screws,resilient clips or hook-and-loop material, may be used to attach theclient device 1308 over the deactivated display area 1306. The one ormore removable fasteners 1326 may be fixed to the housing configured forremovable attachment of the apparatus over and around an electronicdisplay screen.

In another embodiment, the second component 1330 may be configuredprimarily as a functional HazMat detector, which is powered on during atraining session but set or switched to operate in a training mode only.In training mode, the detector capabilities are disabled and thecomponent 1330 acts as the client device 1308 under control of themaster control unit, by operating a training application module in amemory. Essentially, the client device may, depending on availablehardware of the detector, be operated as a virtual client device 1308using built-in internal hardware (e.g., processor, memory, display andtransceiver) of the functional detector.

In any of the foregoing embodiments, the housing 1302 may further holdan auxiliary control panel 1304. The auxiliary panel 1304 may be orinclude a mechanical interface enabling a user to activate controlbuttons of the client device 1308 from an exterior of the housing 1302.In the alternative, or in addition, the auxiliary panel 1304 may be orinclude independent electro-mechanical input devices (e.g., keys,switches, rotary potentiometers, etc.) designed to mimic or resemblespecialized controls of a functional HazMat detector, independently of amore generic control interface for the client device 1308. In such case,the auxiliary control panel 1304 may be coupled via an interface module1324 and cable 1322 to the input port 1320 of the client device 1308.

The foregoing examples and details may be embodied in one or moremethodologies performed by an apparatus including a simulator housingand smartphone or wireless tablet computer with an input port, displayscreen (optionally touchscreen), wireless interface, processor andmemory. Methodologies that may be implemented in accordance with thedisclosed subject matter will be better appreciated with reference tovarious flow charts, summarizing more detailed aspects of themethodologies described above. Although methodologies are shown anddescribed as a series of acts/blocks for simplicity of illustration, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited by the number or order of blocks, as some blocks may occurin different orders and/or at substantially the same time with otherblocks from what is depicted and described herein. Moreover, not allillustrated blocks may be required to implement methodologies describedherein. It is to be appreciated that functionality associated withblocks may be implemented by software, hardware, a combination thereofor any other suitable means (e.g., device, system, process, orcomponent).

Additionally, it should be further appreciated that certain elements ofmethodologies disclosed throughout this specification are capable ofbeing stored as encoded instructions and/or data on an article ofmanufacture, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, tofacilitate storing, transporting and transferring such methodologies tovarious devices. Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciatethat a method may alternatively be represented as a series ofinterrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram.

As shown in FIG. 14, the apparatus 1300 including a functional detectormay be used to perform a method 1400 for simulating a hazardousmaterials detector. The method 1400 may include, at 1402, receivingwireless control signals determining a selected environmentalcontamination condition from a master control unit, by at least oneportable hand-held client device functional as a stand-alone wirelesscommunication device, the client device comprising a processor, displayscreen and transceiver integrated in a housing. The wireless controlsignals may be transmitted using any suitable wireless technology, forexample Wi-Fi, LTE, infrared or Bluetooth. Detailed aspects ofdetermining an environmental contamination condition described earlierin the specification may apply. The portable hand-held client devicefunctional as a stand-alone wireless communication device may be, forexample, a smartphone or Wi-Fi equipped hand-held computing device.

The method 1400 may further include, at 1404, removably attaching theclient device over and around an electronic display screen of ahand-held portable hazardous material detection device. Once attached,the client device may cover all, or substantially all, of the underlyingdisplay screen so that it is no longer visible to the user/trainee. Thefastening may be done using any suitable removable fastening method,some examples of which are provided herein above.

The method may further include, at 1406, simulating, on the clientdevice, a display of the temporarily attached hand-held portablehazardous material detection device for the selected environmentalcontamination condition. The simulation may be performed in response tothe control signals from the master control unit. In some embodiments ofthe method 1400, the at least one client device may include a pluralityof similar client devices. In such cases, the method 1400 may furtherinclude the master control unit broadcasting the control signal tomultiple ones of the plurality of similar client devices. Thus, thesimulating may include simulating a plurality of different hazardousmaterials detector types selected by the master control unit.

In a separate aspect, the at least one client device may include a touchscreen. In such embodiments, the method 1400 may further includeprompting a user to respond to questions related to the selectedenvironmental contamination condition, using the touch screen. Specifictraining databases may be customized by the user with subjectmatter-specific questions for the types of training being performed.Stock databases including question files may include, for example, basicmeter operations, advanced meter operations, Confined Space, CBRNE, andother common training requirements. An optional feature may be providedenabling the instructor to edit and supply their own questions during atraining session. In addition, a question-an-answer interface may bealso designed with the ability for the instructor to use the questionsin a first natural language (i.e. English) while the same question ispresented to the client appear in a second natural language (i.e.Spanish). This may facilitate a non-bilingual instructor teachingstudents in other languages.

Referring to FIG. 15, the apparatus 1300 configured to include anon-functional simulated detector housing and lacking any functionaldetector may be used to perform a method 1500 for simulating a hazardousmaterials detector. The method 1500 may include, at 1502, receivingwireless control signals for a selected environmental contaminationcondition from a master control unit, by at least one portable hand-heldclient device functional as a stand-alone wireless communication device,the client device comprising a processor, display screen and transceiverintegrated in a first housing. This element may be essentially the sameas element 1402 of method 1400, except for its mounting interface. Themethod 1500 may further include, at 1503, removably inserting the clientdevice inside a second housing resembling a hand-held portable hazardousmaterial detection device, so that the client device is substantiallyconcealed inside the second housing and the display screen is revealedon an exterior of the second housing as if belonging to the hand-heldportable hazardous material detection device. For this step, a specialsimulator housing should be provided to function as the second housing,for example, the housing 601 shown in FIGS. 6-12. Once inserted into thesecond housing, the client device should be essentially hidden by thesecond housing, such that the display of the client device appears to bethat of a functioning detector through a screen opening of the secondhousing. Detailed views of an example of this arrangement are shown inFIGS. 6-12. The inserting operation may be done prior to the trainingsession, for example just prior to a training session by the trainer orat any prior time, for example at the factory. The method 1500 may theninclude simulating, on the client device, a display of a hand-heldportable hazardous material detection device determined by the controlsignals for the selected environmental contamination condition, aspreviously described for other embodiments.

In other aspects, the method 1500 may include removing the client devicefrom the second housing after the simulating is completed. Removal ofthe client device may be made easy for an untrained user, or may be madedifficult, such as by requiring special tool or manipulation methods bya trained service technician, at the option of the designer.

In another aspect, the method 1500 may further include transmitting userinput information to the master control unit, based on a user inputsignal from at least one of a touch-sensitive module of the displayscreen or a control panel held by the second housing. In someembodiments, the control panel may generate the input signal via aninterface module (e.g., electrical-mechanical interface such as akeypad). In these embodiments, the method may include coupling theinterface module to the client device. For example, the coupling mayinclude removably connecting the client device to the interface moduleusing a cable. In alternative embodiments, a wireless interface may beused.

The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with thedisclosure herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a softwaremodule executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. Asoftware module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory,EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, aCD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. Anexemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that theprocessor can read information from, and write information to, thestorage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integralto the processor. If implemented in software, the functions may bestored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on anon-transitory computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media mayinclude both computer storage media and non-transitory communicationmedia including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computerprogram from one place to another. A storage media may be any availablemedia that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purposecomputer. By way of example, and not limitation, such non-transitorycomputer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or otheroptical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storagedevices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desiredprogram code means in the form of instructions or data structures andthat can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer,or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided toenable any person skilled in the art to make or use the embodimentsdisclosed. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles definedherein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from thespirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is notintended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to beaccorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novelfeatures disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A simulator apparatus for training people toperform hazard detection, comprising: a display screen; a processorcoupled to a wireless receiver and to the display screen, the processorconfigured to wirelessly receive control signals from a master controlunit; a memory coupled to the processor, the memory holding instructionsfor simulating operation of a simulated hazard detection apparatus inresponse to the control signals; a first housing enclosing the displayscreen, processor, wireless receiver and memory in a hand-held portableclient device that functions as a stand-alone wireless communicationsdevice; and a second housing resembling the simulated hazard detectionapparatus disposed around and substantially concealing the client deviceexcept for revealing the display screen on an exterior of the secondhousing as if belonging to the simulated hazard detection apparatus. 2.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second housing holds the clientdevice in a manner enabling removal of the client device from the secondhousing after operation thereof.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one module for receiving a user input signal, the atleast one module selected from a touch-sensitive module of the displayscreen or a control panel held by the second housing.
 4. The apparatusof claim 3, further comprising an interface module processing the userinput signal from the at least one module and generating informationbased thereon.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising acoupling between the interface module and the client device.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 5, wherein the coupling comprises a cable.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the operation of the simulated hazarddetection apparatus comprises detection of a selected environmentalcontamination condition.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the secondhousing resembles the simulated hazard detection apparatus comprising ahand-held portable hazardous material detection device.
 9. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the second housing resembles the simulated hazarddetection apparatus comprising a portable detector.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the memory holds further instructions for receiving asignal from a master control unit for controlling the display screen.11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the memory holds furtherinstructions for displaying questions on the display screen in responseto the signal from the master control unit.
 12. A method for simulatingoperation of a hazard detector, the method comprising: receivingwireless control signals for a selected hazardous environmentalcondition from a master control unit, by at least one portable hand-heldclient device functional as a stand-alone wireless communication device,the client device comprising a processor, display screen and transceiverintegrated in a first housing; removably inserting the client deviceinside a second housing resembling the hazard detector, so that theclient device is substantially concealed inside the second housing andthe display screen is revealed on an exterior of the second housing asif belonging to the hazard detector; and simulating, on the clientdevice, a display determined by the control signals for the selectedenvironmental condition.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprisingremoving the client device from the second housing after the simulatingis completed.
 14. The method of claim 12, further comprisingtransmitting user input information to the master control unit, based ona user input signal from at least one of a touch-sensitive module of thedisplay screen or a control panel held by the second housing.
 15. Themethod of claim 12, further comprising the control panel generating theinput signal via an interface module.
 16. The method of claim 15, andfurther comprising coupling the interface module to the client device.17. The method of claim 12, further comprising displaying test questionson the display screen, in response to the control signals.
 18. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the receiving comprises receiving thecontrol signals via a cellular radio access technology.
 19. The methodof claim 12, wherein the simulating comprises simulating a display of ahazardous material detection device.
 20. The method of claim 19, whereinthe simulating comprises displaying a contamination value received fromthe master control unit.